Kyle Searles was almost on “Desperate Housewives” after having starred in the original pilot, but his character was replaced. He did appear in “South of Nowhere” and “Dawson’s Creek.”
Searles also appeared on “Moolah Beach,” a Survivor-inspired reality competition show in 2001, but missed out on the $25,000 prize by taking second place.
Beverly Mitchell (Lucy Camden)
When Beverly Mitchell was discovered, she was making a scene. As a 4-year-old at the mall with her mom, she was in the middle of throwing an epic temper tantrum when a talent scout recognized her flair for melodrama.
The budding star debuted on television with "Big Brother Jake" and then landed her first film role. Soon after, she endeared us all by playing little Lucy Camden on "7th Heaven" while we watched her grow up as a Camden “P.K.” and marry a Kinkirk brother.
Beverley Mitchell – Now
These days, Beverly Mitchell is a mom of three, side-by-side with her adored husband, Michael Cameron. With the recent arrival of baby number 3, she is in seventh heaven.
She was in "Mean People Suck" (2001) and joined the cast of "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" in 2010. In 2006, she debuted as a country music singer with the hit song “Angel.”
Geoff Stults (Ben Kinkirk)
Geoff Stults was a child actor who went to Australia to be a pro football player. "7th Heaven," WB’s longest-running series, was one of his most prominent roles, and he portrayed Glen Oak firefighter Ben Kinkirk.
Geoff grew up acting alongside his real-life brother George Stults, Ben Kinkirk’s brother Kevin on "7th Heaven." Before starring in The WB drama series, Geoff appeared on "Spin City" and "Everybody Loves Raymond."
Geoff Stults – Now
In television, he’s also known for "October Road" and "Happy Town." Geoff Stults played Mitch on the Netflix series "Grace and Frankie." His latest film role is "12 Strong" (2018).
Memorably, he starred in "Wedding Crashers" and "She’s Out of My League." Most recently, he appears on" Stargirl," the DC Comics-inspired television series.
David Gallagher (Simon Camden)
Teen Choice winner David Gallagher’s child acting career began at age 2. Before "7th Heaven" scooped him up, he was Mikey on "Look Who’s Talking Now" with John Travolta, starring as well on "Phenomenon and Summer of Fear." He’s also loved for voicing Riku in the famous gaming world, "Kingdom Hearts."
As one of the younger Camden’s, Simon is the adorable brother who begged God for a dog. His prayer is answered by the end of the first episode. Still, we know Simon becomes one of the darker characters, especially when he struggled with accidentally killing a boy in a car accident.
David Gallagher – Now
In 2007, Gallagher graduated from USC with a film and television degree. He starred in all 11 seasons of "7th Heaven" and went on to play a serial killer in "Numb3res." Keeping with infamous murder suspect characters, Gallagher appeared on "CSI: Miami, Bones," "Without a Trace," and "The Deep End" as the possible killer.
He was nominated for a Young Artist Award five times for Best Performance between 1994 and 2002. After his youngest brother was diagnosed with autism, Gallagher supports Cure Autism Now as a spokesperson.
Mackenzie Rosman (Ruthie Camden)
As the youngest sibling, until the Camden twins are born, Ruthie is that adorable sweetie with a full crop of curls. But, like all the others, she grows up!
Mackenzie was four when she got her first commercial and is credited for landing the role of Ruthie by shaking hands with each person at the audition.
Mackenzie Rosman – Now
She’s a big girl now. Posing for "MAXIM" in a 2013 photoshoot, she revealed a sensual side to her sweetness. But her true passion is riding her horse Mentos. Mackenzie is a competitive equestrian rider in events like show jumping.
Her real-life sister Katelyn guest-starred on "7th Heaven" in the episode about cystic fibrosis. Sadly, she died from the disease in 2008. Since then, Mackenzie has been a strong supporter of the cause.
Rachel Blanchard (Roxanne Richardson)
Rachel Blanchard is a Canadian actress who launched her career with a Mickey D’s commercial. She grew up on a Canadian show called "The Kids of Degrassi Street." In 2000, she starred on "Road Trip."
In two of the later seasons of "7th Heaven," she played officer Roxanne Richardson who leaves the show after her character is sent abroad on tour in Iraq. Lucy is relieved as Roxanne is a source of jealousy with Kevin.
Rachel Blanchard – Now
Rachel Blanchard is most well-known for her role on the British sitcom "Peep Show." She co-starred on the award-winning show as Nancy from 2004 to 2007.
On this side of the pond, she shows up in "Snakes on a Plane" and "Without a Paddle." She’s also in "Where the Truth Lies" and "Open House." Blanchard plays Maggie in the 2021 psychological thriller "Deep Water."
Tyler Hoechlin (Martin Brewer)
Without a shadow of a doubt, Martin Brewer is the character with the most tragic story. Portrayed by Tyler Hoechlin, Brewer made his debut in the eighth season and stayed on the program until the end of its run.
The young man lost his mother at a young age and had a father deployed to Iraq. As a result, the Camdens took in Martin as their own until he could live independently.
Tyler Hoechlin – Now
Hoechlin’s career has been as active as ever since "7th Heaven" finished its run. He's managed to snag roles in movies like "Everybody Wants Some!!" and "Fifty Shades Freed" and is on his way to becoming a true Hollywood star.
He has also managed a healthy run in the world of television, starring in shows such as MTV’s "Teen Wolf," which won him the award for Male Scene Stealer at the 2014 Teen Choice Awards.
George Stults (Kevin Kinkirk)
George joined "7th Heaven" after his brother Geoff was already established as Mary Camden’s beau Ben. George played Kevin Kinkirk, Ben’s older brother. Kevin is a policeman who falls for Lucy Camden.
In real life, George, who is also an athlete, had a wrestling scholarship at USC when he made his way into showbiz as a model. He guest-starred on "Friends" in Season 7. He also starred in "Necrosis," an independent psych-thriller.
George Stults – Now
Post-"7th Heaven," he played the love interest in several Christmas TV movies. But he’s also known for "Borderline Murder," "What Lies Above" and "Super Capers: The Origins of Ed and the Missing Bullion." It’s fair to say 7th Heaven made the Stults brothers Hollywood hunks.
Fun fact: While George was cast for the buttoned-up cop Kevin, he had auditioned for the role of Simon, a troublemaker boy who pressures other kids into drinking.
Jessica Biel (Mary Camden)
By the time Jessica Biel made the cast of "7th Heaven" at age 14, she had been trained as a vocalist and working as a model. The show was a springboard for her career. As a rebellious real-life teen, however, she nearly lost the gig or at least tried to. She cut her hair off and dyed it blonde. Producers freaked, including Aaron Spelling, and she had to apologize.
To tick them off, she posed topless in "Gear" magazine. More apologies. About that time, Mary Camden’s story turns dark with a plot twist that finds the athletic teen in a severe car crash, permanently injuring her leg.
Jessica Biel – Now
As an adult, Biel found success in producing and landing films like "Total Recall" and "The Book of Love." As of 2012, Ms. Biel is Mrs. Jessica Timberlake. The celebrity wedding was celebrated in Fasano, Italy. They have two children.
Besides a string of films, Jessica showcased her talent in an 8-episode miniseries for USA Network called "The Sinner." She was the executive producer and the lead role. The actress stated that she decided to produce to make the complex projects she wanted to work on reality.
Stephen Collins (Rev. Eric Camden)
Before 7th Heaven, Stephen Collins enjoyed a stable acting career appearing in "All the President’s Men" and "Jumpin’ Jack Flash," as well as television shows like "The Waltons" and "Charlie’s Angels."
He is most recognized, however, as the father of the Camden household, who is also the church minister. His kids have to deal with the “P.K.” stigma. Being a “Preacher’s Kid” is not easy.
Stephen Collins – Now
Collins’ career summarily ended in 2014 with an admission to "People" magazine addressing a public scandal. With no other way to bring back audiences, Catherine Hicks, who plays his wife Annie, considered how producers might handle a reunion show or other production.
She said, “You know, I don’t know. I mean, we’d have to open with Stephen’s coffin.”
Christopher Michael (Chief Michaels)
Chief Michaels is the head of the local precinct and a detective in the fictional town of Glen Oak. He’s a beloved and trusted member of the community who is brought in to assure fairness and justice.
When middle “P.K.” Simon accidentally killed a kid on a bike, Chief Michaels reassured the boy that a full investigation of the scene found there was no way he could’ve avoided the accident.
Christopher Michael – Now
Christopher Michael kicked off his acting career with daytime soaps in the ‘80s. He often plays a police officer, military, or other law enforcement agent.
In television, he appeared on "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Family Matters," and "Baywatch." He’s also been on "Melrose Place," "The X-Files," and "Friends" and in over 100 movies. "7th Heaven" his most well-known work.
Adam LaVorgna (Robbie Palmer)
Adam LaVorgna first appeared on TV in the daytime soap "As the World Turns" when he was three. He portrayed 10-year-old Frank Sinatra in the miniseries, "Sinatra."
But we know him best as Mary Camden’s boyfriend, Robbie Palmer. Before joining the "7th Heaven" cast, LaVorgna won the Youth in Film Award for Best Actor in "Brooklyn Bridge."
Adam LaVorgna – Now
He played Mary’s troubled on-again-off-again boyfriend for two seasons. Leaving the show was a mutual decision because he missed the East coast and his family when the producers were tiring of his character.
He appeared in "CSI: Miami and Law & Order." His film credits include "Get Happy" and "The House is Burning." Currently, he’s in post-production with two films.
Chaz Lamar Shepherd (John Hamilton)
Chaz Lamar Shepherd first shows up on "7th Heaven" in the first season as John Hamilton but became a significant character in Season 4.
He had done several television shows and "The Nutty Professor" before acting as John in the Camden family soap opera drama.
Chaz Lamar Shepherd – Now
Chaz Lamar Shepherd comes from Philadelphia and is currently a singer/songwriter personality with one album called "Love & Truth," released in 2010.
Since 7th Heaven, he’s been in "Touched by an Angel," "The Division," and, most notably, "The Game." He also plays Keith in "Hater’s Back Off!" since 2016.
Catherine Hicks (Annie Camden)
Annie Camden is mom to the Camden clan and a loving wife to Rev. Eric Camden. She’s the one the kids come to first for advice. Catherine Hicks got her foot in the door with commercials in 1976.
She moved to soap operas and then to Broadway. In "The Bad News Bears," she was the junior high school principal. She portrayed Marilyn Monroe in "Marylin: The Untold Story," earning a Primetime Emmy nomination.
Catherine Hicks – Now
These days, after starring in the entire trilogy of "Child’s Play" and the "Curse of Chucky," she has some opinions about a possible "7th Heaven" remake. She told "TMZ" that after her husband, Rev. Camden, dies, the show could be called “Eighth Heaven,” featuring “a new boyfriend for Annie.”
Catherine is an active member of the L.A. Homeless Action Committee, The League of Women Voters, and a volunteer for Congressmen Schiff’s campaign.
Jeremy London (Chandler Hampton)
Jeremy London got his break into showbiz with television series with "I’ll Fly Away." He found some fame in ‘90s niche comedies with roles in "The Babysitter" and "Mallrats." Soon after, he played Griffin Holbrook on the Fox series "Party of Five," which led to his role as a young preacher named Chandler Hampton on "7th Heaven."
Jeremy has an identical twin brother Jason who is also an actor. Occasionally they will audition for roles together.
Jeremy London – Now
Jeremy played the young minister for two seasons, stepping in when Rev. Camden was in the hospital and sticking around for 37 episodes. In real life, the actor’s behavior is more akin to the characters in "Mallrats" than to a minister.
He has two domestic abuse charges on record for two separate wives. He later appeared on "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew" to discuss his addiction and family relationships. He’s continued to act and has film credits through 2016.
Scotty Leavenworth (Peter Petrowski)
Scotty Leavenworth was a child actor who started working when he was four. Before he was Lucy Camden’s middle school boyfriend, Peter Petrowski, took part in several outstanding movies.
The young actor was in "The Green Mile" with Tom Hanks, "Come On, Get Happy: The Partridge Family Story," and had voiced characters in "Babe: Pig in the City" and "Baby Genius."
Scotty Leavenworth – Now
Scotty’s latest work was in 2010 with "Slow Moe." He filmed and played Marvin “Moe” Moebly. Before dropping off the radar, he appeared in "Desperate Housewives," "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Bones," and "Philly."
He also played Matthew in "Erin Brockovich." He starred as Lucy’s faithful beau for two seasons, just hanging out doing homework or taking a hit from the school bully to support Simon.
Maureen Flannigan (Shana Sullivan)
Shana Sullivan is Matt Camden’s girlfriend for two seasons. Maureen Flannigan played the role of Shana as a seasoned actress up until the couple calls it quits in Season 4. Shana goes off to NYU, and the long-distance relationship drives Matt back to his old girlfriend.
Before "7th Heaven," Maureen guest-starred in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," "Northern Exposure," and "Out of this World." In the latter, she is best known as Evie Ethel Garland, the well-liked teenager from that fantasy sitcom.
Maureen Flannigan – Now
After leaving the show, Maureen Flannigan appeared in "Beverly Hills 90210," "Law & Order," "Special Victims Unit," "Boston Public," and "Close to Home."
She has no film roles or television appearances since 2011.
Barry Watson (Matt Camden)
Barry Watson launched his showbiz career as a model. Soon, he began appearing on daytime soap "Days of Our Lives." His first break came when Aaron Spelling cast him in the series "Malibu Shores," mostly because Spelling had him in mind for his "7th Heaven" project.
As big brother Matt Camden, he doted over his younger Camden siblings. Still, he was an independent character who was always ready to leave home and provided a plethora of girlfriend dramas.
Barry Watson – Now
Matt Camden got his chance to leave home when he went off to med school. In real life, however, Barry Watson was not at medical school, but battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He took a leave of absence from the show, the disease went into remission, and he returned to finish his role.
He was ready to quit his role as Matt, but the producers held it open for him. Watson is also known as Brian in "What About Brian," and for his roles in "Samantha Who?" and "The Loudest Voice."
Haylie Duff (Sandy Jameson)
Haylie Duff is big sister to Hilary Duff and is an actor and singer in her own right. As a kid show star, she appeared in "Lizzie McGuire," "Napoleon Dynamite," and made-for-TV movies "Love Takes Wing," and its sequel, "Loves Finds a Home."
She portrayed Sandy Jameson in Season 10 and 11 of "7th Heaven" and is well-known for the role. Sandy was one of the Camden-kids family friends who gets pregnant, has a baby, and converts to Christianity.
Haylie Duff – Now
In addition to her singing career in which she records music with her sister Hilary Duff, Haylie Duff landed a cooking show on the "Cooking Channel" with her Real Girl’s Kitchen blog and followed it up with a book of the same title.
Haylie has also launched the Little Moon Society, a children’s clothing line. Her last movie was "Hacker," and on television, she was in "Deadly Delusion."
Ashlee Simpson (Cecilia Smith)
In Season 7 and 8, Cecilia becomes part of the Camden family household as Simon’s girlfriend. The twins adore her, especially as a babysitter. Everybody loves her, which only injects a stiff dose of drama when the couple ultimately breaks up.
In real life, Ashlee Simpson is an actress, singer, songwriter, and younger sis to Jessica Simpson.
Ashlee Simpson – Now
Ashlee Simpson got her reality show on MTV called "The Ashlee Simpson Show" after appearing in "Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica," also on MTV. During the same period, “Pieces of Me,” her debut single, became a hit song. Her album "Autobiography" followed suit selling more than 5 million copies.
Her second album, "I Am Me," went platinum. She had a high-profile relationship with Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boy that cycled through marriage and divorce. She married actor Evan Ross and had one more child. In 2005, "Forbes" listed her as one of their “Richest Young Celebrities.”
Megan Henning (Meredith Davies)
Megan Henning is from Baltimore, Maryland, and began acting in 2000. She played Meredith Davies on nine episodes.
Meredith’s boyfriend is Martin, but Ruthie is interested in Martin. Ruthie is relieved when Martin and Meredith break up so she can get her chance with Martin.
Megan Henning - Now
Besides "7th Heaven," Megan Henning is known for "The Brotherhood of Poland," "New Hampshire" as Monica Shaw. She also appeared on "Mad Men" as Judy Hofstadt. She appeared in "ER," "Veronica Mars," "Grey’s Anatomy," and "Grimm."
In film, she was in psych-thrillers "Brawler" and "I Know Who Killed Me."
Sarah Thompson (Rosanna “Rose” Taylor)
Rose is not a favorite in the Camden household. They see her as Simon’s possessive girlfriend and are not pleased to pressuring their son into marrying her. But she is a dynamic character, changes her ways, and Annie finally accepts her as a daughter.
In the end, the two do not marry, going their separate ways on their planned wedding day. Before "7th Heaven," Sarah Thompson appeared in "Touched by an Angel" and The Sopranos."
Sarah Thompson - Now
Thompson’s latest role was in 2016. She starred in a TV pilot called "Cruel Intentions" that never did air. Previously she starred in the film "Cruel Intentions 2."
In television, she went back to daytime TV with "All My Children," and also appeared in "Without a Trace" and "House." She’s known for her recurring role as Eve in "Angel."
Andrea Ferrell (Heather Cain)
At the end of Season 4, Andrea Ferrell plays Matt’s love interest. Heather Cain is a deaf girl whose first love is Matt Camden. He commits to her by learning sign and nearly getting married, but they break up at the last minute.
She appeared in "Jerry Maguire" before getting the role of Heather.
Andrea Ferrell - Now
Andrea Farrell is a hard of hearing actress who starred in eight episodes as Heather Cain.
On the big screen, she was in "Date Movie" and "The Sterling Chase." Besides acting, she loves “being a mom” and is supportive of the deaf community. She is fluent in ASL.
Happy (Happy)
Happy was young Simon’s answered prayer. He begged his parents and prayed to God for a dog, and, voilà, Happy arrived on his front lawn. Though he thought it was an act of God, it was his mom Annie Camden who rescued the dog from the animal shelter.
Happy was scheduled to be put to sleep! The canine actor was called Happy in real life; they kept her actual name for the show.
Happy - Now
Out of the entire cast, Happy never missed a single episode. The loyal Camden family pet showed up for all 243 episodes of the family drama series.
Happy lived until 2010, to the ripe old age of 15. In real life, she was a terrier mix rescue dog who was saved from an abusive household.
Kyle Searles (Mac)
Kyle Searles was born in Houston, Texas, and landed his first television role with"7th Heaven." Kyle plays Mac, best friend of Martin Brewer. They play on the same baseball team.
Though Mac is Martin’s buddy, he does have a tendency to spread rumors behind his back. In the episode “Regret to Inform,” he tells people Martin is dating an older woman.
Kyle Searles - Now
Kyle Searles was almost on "Desperate Housewives" after having starred in the original pilot, but his character was replaced. He did appear in "South of Nowhere" and "Dawson’s Creek."
Searles also appeared on "Moolah Beach," a Survivor-inspired reality competition show in 2001, but missed out on the $25,000 prize by taking second place.
Sarah Wright (Jane)
Sarah Wright played Jane, a homeless youth who the Camden family takes in. Her happily-ever-after story ends with marrying Eric Camden’s (much younger) adopted brother George.
"7th Heaven" was not Sarah’s first television role. The former model was a regular on "Quintuplets" and "The Loop". She also appeared in "Malcolm in the Middle" and "CSI: Miami."
Sarah Wright - Now
Sarah Wright guest-starred onParks and Recreation in several episodes, as well as many other TV shows post-"7th Heaven." Her lucky break came with the series "Marry Me," starring as Dennah in her first significant television role.
While the series only last a year, she landed "Spinning Out," a Netflix series at the beginning of the year. Another highlight was co-starring with Tom Cruise in "American Made."
Nicole Cherié Saletta (Deena Stewart)
Simon meets Deena Stewart when they are both 12. She is his first girlfriend. They are still together as 15-year-olds, and everyone is shocked when they find out the two are expecting a baby. Some fans think these two should have stayed together in the end and married. Nicole “Niki” Saletta played Deena for five seasons.
In the show, she breaks up with Simon, and her family ends up moving to the East coast, but she returns to Glen Oak, and the two try dating again.
Nicole Cherié Saletta - Now
As an actress, Niki Saletta is known primarily for her role in "7th Heaven," but she is also a talented recording artist and songwriter. She records and performs live with her brother, who is also a recording artist.
In the gaming realm, she appeared in a Tekken video game commercial opposite Snoop Dogg.
Ed Begley Jr. (Dr. Hank Hastings)
Ed Begley Jr. came to "7th Heaven" as a seasoned actor. He played Dr. Hank Hastings, an OB/GYN who bungled Matt’s birth. He felt the ire of Annie and Eric as his negligence nearly cost baby Matt his life. He redeems himself, of course, and the preacher and his wife forgive him.
Dr. Hastings delivers the twins, and all is well. He also married Eric’s sister. Ironically, he is the role model for Matt, influencing his decision to go to med school and become an OB/GYN.
Ed Begley Jr. - Now
Ed Begley Jr. started in film and television in the ‘60s. His first television appearance in "My Three Sons" led to hundreds of film and TV roles. He was on "Happy Days," "Wonder Woman," and "Charlie’s Angels." One of his most prominent television roles was on "St. Elsewhere" as Dr. Victor Ehrlich.
Today Begley is known for his environmental activism. He is a vegan and lives in an eco-friendly home featuring solar and wind power, plus an electricity-generating bicycle.